Hi Miss Leyn,

I’m a silent reader of your blog and I check for updates daily. I am writing to you to seek advice for my hair. My hair is long and my problem is, it’s a bit wavy and it looks dry. Gusto ko magpa-rebond but I’m really afraid to try anything or any procedure on my hair. I’m afraid na it will look too thin and too flat sa taas. I wanna know if there are products that can really help me straighten my hair and make it shiny, healthy and thick. I’m patient with products naman as long as it works. My hair used to be really healthy but I don’t know what happened na it ended up like this. I said na I want my hair thick so that if magpa-rebond man ako, I’ll be more confident na it won’t look too thin and flat.

My friends have been suggesting na bumili daw ako ng rebonding products sa drug stores and do it na lang at home rather than in a hair salon but I’m still afraid to try. Sabi din nung iba horse shampoo daw if I want my hair thicker and healthy-looking. Do you agree? If you know products that are effective, please suggest some. And what shampoo to maintain it? Btw, I also have dandruff. I really hope you can help me with this.

Keep inspiring people. Thanks a lot.

Ann

Dear Ann,

Bakit puro kayo ’silent’ reader ng blog ko? Meron bang loud reader? Wenk. Okay, first I need to be straightforward that I’m no hair expert. I also depend on products and treatments for my hair maintenance. Pero I’ve been experimenting with my hair since then until I finally got the style I wanted and treatment that I needed.

• Rebonding can really make your hair look flat. The problem is, may binabagayan ang straight and flat style. It usually depends on the structure of your face. For round and fuller face, volumized hair is better. If you’re unsure about rebonding, try the relax treatment. It also straightens the hair but not as harsh as rebonding.

• With your case, avoid using rebonding products from drug stores especially if you haven’t tried them yet. Your friends may have recommended specific products but remember that our hair types are different. Fine or thin strands are sensitive with chemicals and rebonding products are usually chemical-based so you have to be careful.

• I haven’t tried Mane and Tail shampoo. It sounds funny to use horse shampoo but even my friends told me that the brand is effective. You have nothing to lose if you try this for weeks since it’s just for cleansing the hair. Try to use different shampoo brands and see what’s right for you.

• You can’t achieve shiny and thick hair overnight. Celebrities with perfect and volumized hair undergo expensive treatments. They do not just rely on cheap shampoos they endorse on TV ads. So if you want to have beautiful hair instantly, spend on having your hair treated at quality salons and ask for hair consultation.

• Just in case you decided to have your hair relaxed, change your hair style first. Have it layered from inside and leave the top part as is so it looks thick. Side-swept bangs or full bangs can also add volume to your hair.

• With regards to dandruff, I think you need to change your brand of shampoo. If dandruff shampoos don’t work, try other brands with salicylic acid because it helps remove dead skin cells on the scalp.

Here are other entries about hair products in case you’re too lazy to backread: [1,2]

There are many factors why the quality of your strands changed. Pwedeng dahil mas exposed ka na sa araw unlike before. You might have tried certain products that made your hair brittle so you’re now more prone to hair fall. But seriously, if you’re that conscious about your hair, you need to seek advice from a dermatologist or hair stylist (wag sa mga parlor sa kanto ha). Whatever method of treatment you choose to follow, it is important to be persistent. All methods take time. When you discover which treatment is right for you, be sure to follow through with recommendations.

Don’t get frustrated, just be patient okay?

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Miss Leyn,

I found your blog just a few days ago ng mag-search ako ng fashion tips for fat girls and sa lahat ng blog na nakita ko ay ang blog niyo lang ang helpful talaga. still meron pa rin po akong mga questions na gusto ko sanang itanong and i finally had the guts to email you hopefully you will help me with my fashion problem.

Im Fat (over weight not just chubby) 38 inches ang size ng beywang ko and im 5 ft 4 inches tall. Im 18 yrs old. My real problem is my BIG TUMMY kasi maliit naman po ang braso at mga binti ko. hindi ko po alam kung paano ko siya itatago. i always wear a black T-shirt and maong pants and that’s all, no accesories and such.

But i want to change my self bago sana mag tapos ang year na ito. I want a new me and a new start. so sana matulungan nyo ako with a little fashion help. thank you! Godbless and take care!

Sian

Dear Sian,

The fact that you’re starting to search for fashion tips is a good sign that you want to improve your lifestyle and clothing. Well I have to be honest but based on your description, it will take time for you to get slimmer. So instead of forcing yourself to hide your bulges even though they’re still obvious, as of now, just try to improve the plus size clothes you wear. There’s nothing wrong if you still wear jeans and black shirts because they’re recommended for your body type but now try to add flair on the clothes you’ll buy.

For example, the outfits shown above are better alternatives than wearing a large-sized boyish shirt and jeans. Your arms and legs are okay naman, so you just have to focus on the middle part of your body. I already mentioned some fashion tips for plus size girls on some of my entries but for you, here are my picks:

Collect plain cotton Jersey T-Shirts and over-sized blouses. You have to be careful with prints because some designs can tend to make you look bigger. Shirts designed with asymmetric shape are tummy flattering. Good thing they’re trendy and practical. Marami nyan sa MUJI.

Skinny or Stretch jeans can make your bottom half look slimmer than wearing your ordinary straight or flair maong pants. You’ll might have a hard time looking for skinny jeans your size so spend on custom-made pants. It’s a good investment since jeans usually last for years. Black or blue is okay but you can also buy lighter colors like gray and taupe for a change.

Bold accessories are in trend but not recommended for plus size girls. Stick to thin necklaces, bracelets and small earrings. Accessories don’t have to be expensive kaya as of now, shop for fancy long necklaces before you spend money on jewelries (gold, silver and black tones should be on your top list when choosing accessories so you can match them with any clothing).

There! Just start with the basics then you can shift to more girly clothes like tunics and kaftans. Just keep up the motivation dear!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Leyn,

I have been a silent lurker of your blog and I find your site.. amazingly beautiful & informative with the latest trend and what’s in & out of fashion. kakatuwa!

Need your savvy thought of wearing tux & sneakers at a strictly formal wedding (of his cousin). actually this is my hubby’s concern. and i want to hear your thought. He’s not really keen of all tux formality, and since he’s a guest. would it be ok? The wedding is set in Oz, this November. its around 4ish wedding. hubby stands 5′8″, medium built, moreno.

This is my 1st time to seek advice on site.. hehe.. nakakakaba pala. hahaha! I tried looking for this topic in your site but to no avail. Hope you can help us with our dilemma. Keep on blogging.

Lui

Dear Lui,

A sincere thank you for liking my blog. I appreciate it. Heehee. :>

First, you need to ask the couple if it’s okay to wear sneakers. If it’s a ’strictly formal’ event then they may want to maintain an all formal theme for their wedding including the guests. I don’t see anything wrong wearing tux and sneakers as long as your husband can pull it off. But it also depends on the type and color of the sneakers. Like Canvas or Suede material is better. The shoes should blend with the formal tuxedo plus trousers and should not stand out among the entire outfit. If you’re talking about lace-ups then it’s fine and doesn’t look baduy. Pero kung mukhang rubber shoes talaga then I think it’s not cool.

If you prefer casual shoes for the tux, they should at least look like any of these:

This is assuming that your husband will wear something black or gray (which is better). If he’s really not the type who’d wear something very formal, then consider this outfit for the wedding:

Suits look good on jeans with open buttons and relaxed undershirt. Just remember that neutrals, grays and blacks are the safest colors you can choose.

Much love to you guys. (And oh, I kind of lurked the site you gave me. Quits na tayo. Lol.)

Love Lots,

Leyn

Men’s designer clothing has always played an important role though the glamorous quotient has always been the women’s domain. Despite women being the preferred choice, as models for new fashion trends, men, too have emerged as fashion icons in the recent past.

Most of the hottest brands such as Cole Haan, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors which create designer wear that specially caters to men segment also. New cuts, new designs, high-quality material and unique combinations contribute extensively towards creating exclusive creations for men.

Marc by Marc Jacobs, one of the most celebrated brands right now has quite an impressive client list and is known for its exclusive collection of coats and shirts. The men’s selection features jeans in various categories such as casual polo shirts, formal shirts and corporate jackets. Cole Haan, is yet another brand that is constantly experimenting beyond the realms of conventional designing with bold, glamorous and stylish designer wear for men. Michael Kors is another top brand that is particularly famous for its exclusive line of clothing available in various styles and a collection of jeans, watches and eyewear.

Where stylish clothing for men is concerned, there’s couldn’t be a better brand name than the three designer brands mentioned above.

Hello Miss leyn!

Btw I follow you on twitter. And until now, I wonder about your real name. hahaha Anyway, gusto ko lang sanang humingi ng advice as to what to wear in school. I’m a college student, 5′5 mejo slim but morena (in short, dark. LOL). Gusto ko sanang maging fashionable but school policies hinder that. Kasi naman, we’re not allowed to wear sleeveless, shorts, and imagine pati leggings bawal. I hope I’m making my sentiments clear. Saka I’m comfortable with jeans, kaya sana patulong as to what to pair with them. I have another favor, pwede bang iba’t-ibang variations? Hehe. Sana matulungan mo ko.

Maraming Salamat miss leyn! More power.

- G

Dear G,

Yeah, Leyn is just my nickname but I’m not an anonymous blogger so my real name and pictures are all over the Internet. Pero dahil hindi naman kayo yayaman sa personal info ko, just forget about it. Lol. Moving on, I already have an entry about school outfits that you might want to check. But to help you more, here are some suggestions on how you could be fashionable with jeans.

First, shop for the right jeans. Since leggings aren’t allowed in your school, I advise you to wear either straight leg, skinny fit or stretch jeans. Dark colors, particularly black, can give you variations on your everyday fashion.

Instead of the usual t-shirt, skinny jeans are better paired with jersey tops (aside from girly blouses). Jersey style looks relaxed, casual yet stylish. It can also hide bulges and can draw attention to your legs (for girls who are a bit chubby). Trendy colors that complement your skin tone are neutral shades like gray, beige and taupe.

Keep aside your sneakers and flip-flops and invest on a pair of studded flats. From what I know, some schools don’t allow slippers or open sandals so wear something with straps and lock. Espadrilles shoes are also in and they look more chic than the usual bulky rubber shoes.

And of course, accessorize! A simple necklace with charm pendant is enough to complete your outfit. Make sure to buy accessories that you can match most of your clothes.

Remember to balance what you wear para hindi ka mukhang ‘commoner’. Boyish shirt + boyish pants + boyish shoes are so 1990s. You can still look fashionable even withough wearing sleeveless tops and floral skirts. Start from being creative with your jeans.

Entiendes? Happy schooling!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Ms. Leyn,

Hi Ms. Leyn! Kamusta po? I hope you’re doing fine. I emailed you because I want you to know how helpful your page is. I’m a long-time reader of your blogs and ever since I first visited your page, it’s been my habit to check just to see if you have a new post! Haha. Yes, it’s true. I really enjoy reading this blog, I find it very interesting and helpful.

I’m a college freshie and we have this event on Friday. It’s the first event which will be held outside the university and we’re all invited. At first I thought we’ll wear our uniforms but yesterday they announced the dress code and it’s semi-formal. They indicated that girls should wear cocktail dresses. No miniskirts, plunging necklines, t-shirts, shorts, and slippers. My problem is that I don’t have an idea on what to wear on this event. I’m pretty sure that everyone already has an idea on what to wear for the theme “dress to impress”. I don’t want to stand out that much but I don’t want to look manang either. Another thing is that I don’t know where to buy the dress. I’m also on a limited budget so I guess my budget for the dress is just up to P1,300.

I hope you can help me with this, Ms. Leyn. I’ll be waiting for your response.

Sab

Dear Sab,

I’m doing great. Thanks for asking.

Anyway, I think someone already asked me the same problem but it’s for a prom event. First, I advise you to do a bit spying on your friends’ outfit this coming friday. Hehe. So you’d have an idea what are their styles. From there, think of what fashion you’d like to wear: something classy? young? or fab?

Classic & Sophisticated

Wearing something classic and simple is safe, cheaper and won’t go out-of-date. A Little Black Dress can save you on that day. Then wear some bold accessories for an updated look – like bangles, stoned necklaces, layered necklaces or fringe earrings. An affordable black dress can cost from 800-1500 pesos.

Hip & Young

Since this is for a school event, I think it’s okay for you to wear something youthful and colorful like bright colors, patterned prints with flowing skirts. If you choose to be in a printed dress with bold designs, you’re good to go with just a simple set of jewelries.

Something Fab

Well in case you’re not satisfied with the classic or teen-y style, then you have to shift to an updated fab dress. The style may sound vague so it’s still up to your taste what looks good on you – it may be a mini dress with leggings, a shoulder padded dress, a cocktail dress with black blazer, etc. Just don’t forget to wear high heeled platforms and layered bracelet cuffs.

It would be better if you already have a desired look in your mind before shopping. It will save your time and energy when you plan your style ahead. I cannot suggest specific brands you can check because dresses are available everywhere (kahit sa department stores and thrift shops). You can also browse some of my previous answers for store reference. I believe it’s not about the brand but your taste in clothes. Always remember that your dress color should complement your skin tone and its fabric must flatter your figure.

Good luck and enjoy your weekend!

Love Lots,

Leyn

hi sosyalera,

ive been an avid reader of your page and im a cancer survivor. gusto ko sana patulong sa problema ko. kasi after chemo, 3 months tumubo narin ang hair ko, about 3 inches na ngayon at nahihirapan ako paano ko ito aayusin lalo na pag lumalabas ako with friends and going to church. i tried using headbands and hair clips, pero parang nakakasawa na ung laging ganun na hairstyle. gusto ko din sana itry ung scarf pero di ko lam kung pano ito gagamitin na babagay sa akin. gusto ko din sana magpa hair extension pero hndi ko alam kung san ba maganda at kung pwede ung hindi nman ako mamumulubi sa presyo.

thanks in advance and GODBLESS.

- cancer survivor

Dear cancer survivor,

I’m glad that you survived the condition and this is my first time to receive a question about post chemo so i’m quite amazed. Hehe. Well from what I know, hair strands start to grow back at least 6 weeks after your last chemotherapy. The newly grown strands are not yet as strong as your natural hair so as of now, I am discouraging you to undergo any kind of hair treatment (like extensions as you mentioned). You may want to hold off on having chemical processes like perms or coloring because your hair is still fragile and scalp is very sensitive.

Please use gentle shampoo (parang baby shampoo) and conditioner for your hair. You have to be patient because it’s safer to wait for your hair to grow longer than experiment. Your case is sensitive so it’s better to consult a dermatologist/hair specialist about the right products for your scalp. Taking Vitamin E can also help.

Fashion-wise, try collecting fashionable scarves you can use to accessorize. A colorful scarf can add life to a plain looking dress.

And here are some scarf styles that you can do. Practice makes perfect:

One disadvantage of using scarves is it easily falls off and you need to use a hair pin to stay it on place. But I find scarves more fashionable than using headbands and clips.

Just don’t feel uneasy about your look. Example, Emma Watson carries the same look (perhaps even shorter than your hair) with her new hairdo. It looks good on her because the details of the cut draw attention to her lovely eyes. So if the length of your hair is long enough to have it styled, it’s okay to cut your hair and look for short-hair styles that complement your features – eyes, cheeks or jawline.

That’s all! Stay happy and healthy.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Good Day, Ms Leyn! I am a freshman college student taking up Tourism. I’ve been reading your blog posts for a long time and I find it very helpful and informative most especially to the younger generation. Just like your other fans, I would like to ask for some help and advice regarding my problem.

Weeks from now I’ll be attending a seminar with my fellow batch mates in a hotel. Our professor told us to wear a corporate attire during the seminar instead of wearing our uniforms. My problem is this is my first time attending a seminar and this is also the first time I’ll be asked to wear a corporate attire. The only idea I have in mind about a corporate attire is the usual attire of those people who works in an office like those slacks and blazers. I really don’t have an idea on what to wear for that seminar. I want to wear a corporate attire that looks formal yet chic and not old-fashioned. I hope you can help me with this Ms. Leyn. Thank you and God bless.

- V

Dear V,

As what you’ve said, slacks and blazers are like ‘the standard corporate attire’ so it’s acceptable if you wear them on the seminar. But just for a more stylish look, I advise you to wear a semi-formal dress with short sleeves, above-the-knee length and minimal prints. Pair it with a classic black pumps and you’re off to go.

Here are other dress samples and notice how a simple black purse and a pair of black shoes complement the dress. So be careful with the colors you pick. Safe shades are maroon, teal and other earth colors.

If you find the style a bit liberated, you can wear a blazer as a cover-up and it will also make you look “more professional”. Brush up your hair, accessorize with small jewelries and apply light make-up. From what I know, tourism students are advised to look presentable so make sure to look good especially on events like this.

Thanks for being a reader of my blog! Spread the love!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Leyn! I’ve been reading your blog ever since! Your advices are indeed helpful and I am meaning to ask for an advice, too

2 weeks from now, we’re going to have this party at school, the problem is, I still don’t know what to wear. We are ought to wear formal attires, but sleeveless & above-the-knee dresses aren’t allowed. I’m petite, dark, super tall, long haired. just imagine an ugly bitch! I’ve been wandering the web but still can’t find what would fit me best. I’m a bit desperate now. I hope you can help me?

- PIA

Dear PIA,

What kind of party is that? No sleeveless and short dresses? WTF. You’re in trouble. LOL. Kidding.

I didn’t quite understand what you meant with petite then super tall? Mali yata. Don’t call yourself ugly because you will definitely feel and look ugly if you think like one. Anyhow, with your case, the styles I can suggest are draped skirt cocktail dresses with sleeves. Here are my picks:

Match your knee-length cocktail dress with a pair of black pumps to elongate your legs. I am thinking of suggesting Maxi Dresses but long gowns with sleeves may look overrated. You will never go wrong with the classic black high-heels.

For accessories, just carry a small purse for the formal-look and simple set of jewelries. If you want ala-Serena Van Der Woodsen look, maintain a down straight hairdo or tie your hair up if you prefer to look more formal.

Just a tip, if you’re doing a little fashion research on the web, do not Google search like “dresses for formal party” or “formal attire for petite girls”. You might be landing on styles posted last 2003. Be specific on the actual dress you want to draw idea from. You should check out decent fashion brands (Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Juicy Couture, Chloe, Marc Jacobs, D&G etc.) and look at the updated collections one-by-one. From there, you will have an idea what are the IN styles, colors and designs.

And lastly, get yourself some confidence girl. You won’t ask for an advice if you don’t want to feel pretty.

Time to shine!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Leyn,

First of all I just want to say I am a big fan of your blog. I visit it frequently to get ideas or laughs.

Now that the start of school is nearing, I would just like to ask if maybe you could suggest accessories to make school uniform not look boring. Since I’m in high school, I don’t get to wear I clothes I want to. Do you have any ideas on how to make a uniform look more “me” ?

Alina

Dear Alina,

Hi there! Are you sure you’re a big fan? You might be mistaken. Lol. Thanks for visting my blog.

Anyway, unlike in other countries, schools are usually strict with uniforms so I won’t suggest something that can exaggerate your look. With regards to accessories, choose just 1 noticeable accessory per day. Collect headbands, bangles, and necklaces. Here are my picks:

Pick simple headbands. Do not be a gossip girl poser by wearing super-sized headbands and bright colors. Collect materials like thin ribbons, beads and thin chains.

Since layered necklaces aren’t appropriate with school uniforms, stick to multichain bracelets instead.

For necklaces and earings, wear the simplest pieces as much as possible.

Shift to shoulder bags from boyish backpacks. Though make sure that you choose youthful styles and not the office-type bags. Add charms and keychains to add style to your simple bag.

Just remember to buy accessories that are not too colorful para hindi mukhang cheap. Be particular with colors that should blend with your school uniform.

Good luck to your schooling.

Love Lots,

Leyn